The Finish Line

Ten working days left with Hess! Have I shown too much enthusiasm? That’s me trying to be subtle but optimistic because I don’t want to work every Saturday of my life in Taiwan or continue working for such a large company ever again in my life.

When people ask me if I would recommend working for Hess, I still don’t know what to say. Do I tell them everything I went through, all the illegalities, all the laws  broken, all the promises not fulfilled? Well the answer is no I shouldn’t focus on the stupid things. I’ve learned a lot here. And I’m not yet that bitter “been in Taiwan too long” person who wants to complain or dwell on these things. Hmm.

Actually, my classes were amazing and I will miss them dearly. One of my students even cried when I said I was leaving. The problem is that with over 20 students in ten different classes, playing effective games and not being able to check all books or focus on students who were having problems (behavioural and intelligence problems) made me feel somehow like less of a teacher. And then on top of that, passing those students who had problems when their averages were at the bottom of the barrel, just because their parents wanted them to continue to a higher level… ridiculous. As a teacher at Hess, the training was all right, I made some good friends, I recieved a very narrow introduction to Taiwan, but I also made some hard choices about my attitude there which I felt at the time was justified. Hess is all about business and the bottom line.

I think many places in Taiwan are like that.

But I’ve learned a few things in Taiwan, and one of the first things is that I will never EVER again work for a large company, EVER. If you, like many, came to Taiwan to escape the fast-pace of Western society, working at Hess (or maybe even in Taiwan) is not for you. You are just working for another big company, in a different part of the world. In fact, if I wake up in ten years and read this post, and I’m working for a large company in some annonymous cubicle where no one says hi or acknowledges my hard work and persistance, someone please knock on my door and kick me in the head, (mom, dad) because I will forevermore be doomed to another spoke in the wheel, another rat climbing to the top in hopes that if I stick it out long enough, it will all be worthwhile, I’ll get a payraise or promotion (that no one else wants) and I’ll make a name for myself in my tiny, narrow, one-coloured cage. HA! I’m NOT bitter!

So anyway, it’s not surprising that with this negative “employee of the month” attitude, I’m switching to a more regional organization. What one you ask? Sure I don’t mind sharing. I’m going to be working at Genius, in Kaohsiung. They are transferring my ARC (when people at Hess who shall remain anonymous told me that wasn’t possible) and I won’t have to leave the country or really do anything ridiculous except hand them my taxes – which will of course come at the last second - and health check and two ARC-sized photos.

So anyhoo, how do I know it’s going to be okay? Well first-off, this company is only based in Kaohsiung and you can actually see the people who give you a pay-raise, bonus, or handle your documents on a regular basis. Second, my boyfriend already works at a branch of this company and they offer more block-hours, no co-teacher (it’s better after you have some experience, really to have control over your own class), the kids are more conversational, and they are opening a new school that I’ll be able to have my say in and hopefully help out in my own way. Also, my documents haven’t taken one or two or three or five weeks (yes, once it was five weeks to change my address). They are ready almost immediately. Taxes are given well before you finish your contract so you don’t have to ‘get a friend’ to do it for you. Why can a smaller company do this, and Hess can’t? I have no idea, honestly!

 Also, the racial issue. The company I’m moving to hires people of many different races, and doesn’t discrimminate according to your accent. That to me, means more than anything. You could pay me a dollar an hour and I’d still take that job over one that hired “only white North American speakers.” I’m not saying Hess is COMPLETELY like that, however the company does have it’s preferences and those are clearly stated in interviews. I know one or two who have quit when parents or bosses complained of their accents, and they took the situation a lot better than I would have, that’s for sure.

Anyway, if anyone is still interested in this company after reading this post, I say do what’s best for you. This job suits people who want security, initial training, low-risk travel, possible long-term advancement with low pay and some sort of guidance. It does not suit all.

On the other hand, while working for Hess, I have done the following things:

*Been able to share a once-in-a-lifetime experience with my love.

*Completed 99.9% of a TEFL certificate (which isn’t ‘real’) that will never be given to me because I missed 2 hours of a training due to passport issues (again, NOT bitter)

*Travelled most of Taiwan: Tainan, Ping Dong, Hualien and all the East Coast, Sun Moon Lake, Kenting, Jaliashuei, Taichung, Taipei, Taitung, Alishan, Taroko etc etc.

*Learned how to surf

*Met a handful of exceptional people

*Completed a beginner level Chinese University Course

*Worked legally and otherwise

*Written for a local magazine

*Watched Barack Obama become the first ‘black’ president and educated my students about racial and gay rights

*Taught my students that Hollywood is not in New York

*Been important to at least a few kids

*Considered teaching as a career

*Dreamed of freelance writing next year when my mind is more at ease

*Missed my family, but still wanted to come back to Taiwan to “do it again” for year 2

And that’s all I’m gonna say about that. Hopefully Year 2 will offer something more on the career front, and just as much on the emotional front.

Happy Travels and Learning!

~ by globalciti on November 13, 2008.